Sir Wayne Smith issues pointed comments over Scott Robertson’s sacking after New Zealand Rugby’s ‘guesswork’

Colin Newboult 19 Jan 2026 11:54 AM

All Blacks coaching great Sir Wayne Smith has issued some pointed remarks towards New Zealand Rugby and the players following Scott Robertson’s sacking.

The governing body took the rare step to dismiss the head coach after a mixed two years in charge of the set-up.

Robertson won 20 out of 27 matches but was ousted last week amid reports of dissatisfied players, including former World Rugby Player of the Year Ardie Savea.

Smith’s view

Smith clearly felt that the 51-year-old should not have been axed, telling the New Zealand Herald in a statement: “Unfortunately, Razor hasn’t been given more time, greater opportunity to adapt and overcome many of the challenges new All Blacks coaches face. I feel sad about that – for Razor and our game.

“They obviously feel that the win % wasn’t going to improve, although that is just guesswork.”

Smith is currently part of the New Zealand Rugby system and acted as a consultant to Robertson on occasions.

It means that the universally respected coach has a good understanding of the inner workings of the All Blacks set-up under the 51-year-old.

“I actually found Razor and his coaches to be extremely competent around their roles,” Smith said.

“Progress is often slow when you take over as a new AB coaching group. You learn as you go. Nothing truly prepares you for it.”

Those comments to the Herald came following an even more pointed statement, this time to 1News, where he made his feelings very clear.

“It’s a tough old gig when 76% isn’t good enough. They obviously feel that the win percentage wasn’t going to improve, although that is just guesswork,” he said.

“Coaching in this environment is becoming more and more challenging. Egos abound, 76% win records are no longer enough.”

All Blacks great: Scott Robertson was ‘backed into a corner’ by New Zealand Rugby

‘Disaffected players speak behind your back’

There were reports of players being unhappy with certain aspects of Robertson’s leadership, pointing to widespread cultural issues and a lack of trust, but Smith is disappointed by aspects of the modern day player and game.

“Disaffected players speak behind your back and get to rubbish you, incognito, during end-of-campaign reviews,” he added.

“Social media, hidden behind nicknames and alter egos, can tear you apart without remorse.

“It takes time to settle on your way, and you just pray that you get the opportunity to prove yourself over time.

“Looking into the future to determine where the game is going next is critical. Making changes before they are needed is key. Others will copy and force you to keep going ahead.”

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